Cycling for Cystinosis raises more than $40,000

SANDPOINT — There were amazing performances galore last weekend at the Cycling for Cystinosis fundraiser, as 69 participants, ranging in age from 3-74 years-old, combined to raise more than $40,000 to help find a cure for local Hank Sturgis and those afflicted with the rare disease.

Sandpoint cyclists Jacob Styer won the solo division, turning the pedals to the tune of 418 miles in the 24-hour race, which ran from Saturday morning through Sunday morning in Sandpoint. All told Styer completed 22 of the 18-mile laps.

Deb Fragoso, also of Sandpoint, was the top female solo rider, cranking out 209 miles. Deb also teamed with local Mike Murray to ride a total of 418 miles, giving their team — “No time to smell the roses, we’re cycling for cystinosis” — the two-person team title.

The four-person team title was claimed by “Team Laughing Dog/Carbo Loaded,” comprised of Mel Dick, Dean Kyriakos, Jim Mellen and Styer, who collectively rode a whopping 1,064 miles. A total of 30 volunteers and scores of sponsors helped make the event run smoothly.

Perhaps the most impressive cycling feat was turned in by Sandpoint 9-year-old Jeremiah McDonald, who churned out 114 miles with his dad in his first-ever attempt at road biking. Local Makena Walker, 8, completed 20 miles while riding the shorter kids’ course. Sam and Brian Timmons, of Denver, completed 44 miles to win the kids’ division.

The youngest rider was Sandpoint’s Maggie McClure, 3, who managed to finish four miles. The oldest rider was Spokane’s Jack Snead, 74, who completed 100 miles.

Great performances, the lot of them, but it was local runner Chuy Fragoso who stole the show, raising more than $23,000 — more than half of the total amount raised — on his own.

He had hoped to run 200 miles in 40 hours and raise $25,000 for a cause that has become very close to his heart. A nagging hip injury proved too painful, and he had to stop at 106 miles in 23.5 hours, a yeoman effort nonetheless.

Going in to the race Fragoso had three goals: raise money for cystinosis research, raise awareness for the disease and push his body to the physical limit. Suffice it to say, he accomplished all three.

“Lucky for me, this endeavor was not a race or a competition, it was an effort to raise funds for a cause that I am extremely passionate about,” said Fragoso. “This entire experience has been very humbling. Although I did not complete the 200 miles, I did push my body to the limit.”

Donations are still being accepted either by mail or online. Planning is already under way for the fifth annual 24 Hours of Schweitzer ski relay event, held on Friday and Saturday, March 22-23.

For complete results, more information, or to make a donation, go online to www.24hoursforhank.org.